CounterPath announces the launch of the CounterPath Network Convergence Gateway Exchange, a hosted service enabling wireline operators to provide Fixed Mobile Convergence services immediately, inexpensively and on any mobile network. Operators can implement these services, which include Voice Call Continuity, Instant Messaging, presence and SMS, in a matter of weeks and without the need to invest in any infrastructure.

CounterPath's NCG Exchange provides telcos, cable operators, hosted VoIP providers, Internet telephony service providers, CLECs and other wireline operators with a rapid, cost-effective way to expand into the mobile market, including targeting enterprises that have a large and growing number of mobile workers. With NCG Exchange, wireline operators can immediately provide their enterprise, SMB and SOHO customers with mobile VoIP and messaging services that are delivered over-the-top of mobile networks, regardless of which carrier the customer uses.

Hosted and provisioned by CounterPath, NCG Exchange services work with any mobile handset - including smartphones and feature phones - without the requirement to install any software on the mobile handset. To further enhance the NCG Exchange service, operators can choose to deploy CounterPath's Bria iPhone Edition or Bria Android Edition softphones, giving their customers the additional options of communicating over Wi-Fi and 3G/4G IP alongside the standard mobile voice and SMS channels. Operators can also leverage CounterPath's Bria desktop/laptop PC or Mac softphones, allowing their customers to use their communications services seamlessly across both desktop softphones and mobile phones.

NCG Exchange's highly flexible, network- and device-agnostic architecture means a wireline operator's customers now can put a single phone number on their business cards with the confidence that they can always communicate with a single number by voice, IM and SMS - an ability that goes beyond rudimentary find-me/follow-me services. The technology behind NCG Exchange is unique to CounterPath and leverages the company's intellectual property portfolio, which includes patents that enable single-number identities and seamless service delivery across disparate fixed, mobile, legacy and IMS networks.

Other benefits to wireline operators include:

• New revenue sources. Wireline operators now can offer SMS-to-VoIP and VoIP-to-SMS messaging services to their customers. SMS is a premium service for end users and promotes greater adoption of VoIP softphones.
• Expedite service launch. NCG Exchange is fast and easy for operators to implement within weeks instead of months. Operators can refine and take NCG services in-house as they ramp traffic on the NCG Exchange platform.
• CapEx-free implementation. NCG Exchange requires no additional network infrastructure and no new customer devices because its OTT design leverages existing investments.